Squad Aiming Laser

History

The Squad Aiming Laser (SAL) is a compact, all-digital, multi-function weapon-mounted laser system fielded by the U.S. Marine Corps. It provides visible and near-infrared aiming pointers and illumination for infantry weapons, including use with night vision goggles.

The Marine Corps developed the SAL requirement as a replacement for the legacy PEQ-16 laser system. The new device reduces weapon-mounted weight and size while improving near-infrared beam quality and extending the useful engagement capability of modern night vision equipment.

Program Manager Ground Weapons Systems began fielding the SAL to the School of Infantry-East at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, on July 27 and 28, 2026. The initial fielding introduced the system to personnel associated with infantry, reconnaissance and special operations forces.

Development and procurement

The SAL program used technology derived from U.S. Special Operations Command Small Business Innovation Research efforts. According to the U.S. Marine Corps, the program moved from a stated requirement to a major contract through a rapid acquisition approach based on commercially available technology and small-business development.

In February 2025, the Marine Corps awarded New Hampshire-based Envision Technology a $249 million contract to supply Squad Aiming Laser systems and associated parts through 2030. The contract preceded the first reported Marine Corps fielding in July 2026.

The SAL replaces the PEQ-16, a system that had served for nearly three decades. Marine Corps officials identified lower weight, improved beam quality and increased useful engagement range as the principal tactical improvements.

Fielding

The first reported Marine Corps fielding took place at the School of Infantry-East at Camp Lejeune. The service introduced the system in a training environment before broader use by the Fleet Marine Force.

Marine Corps project officer Harry Mandeles stated that the clearer near-infrared beam and illuminator reduce eye strain and provide a clearer target picture through night vision goggles compared with the PEQ-16. The service also described the SAL as a higher-power laser in a package smaller than other laser systems in its inventory.

Design

The Squad Aiming Laser is an ultra-compact laser aiming and illumination device designed for mounting on a weapon rail. It combines visible and near-infrared aiming functions with near-infrared illumination in a single digital system.

Controls and interface

The SAL replaces the PEQ-16's selector switch and activation-button arrangement with all-digital controls. The digital interface is intended to simplify control of the device's aiming and illumination functions.

Laser system

The SAL uses Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) technology. The Marine Corps states that this technology produces a uniform and clean beam, improving target identification through night vision goggles and allowing users to exploit the extended viewing range of newer night vision equipment.

The system provides both visible and near-infrared aiming pointers as well as near-infrared illumination. The near-infrared functions are intended for use with compatible night vision equipment during low-light and night operations.

Size and weapon integration

The SAL is approximately three ounces lighter than the PEQ-16 and nearly half an inch shorter. The Marine Corps specifically demonstrated the device mounted on the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle. Reducing weight at the front of the rifle improves weapon balance and maneuverability, particularly during rapid movement and handling.

Program status

The Squad Aiming Laser entered initial Marine Corps fielding at the School of Infantry-East in July 2026. The supporting procurement contract awarded to Envision Technology runs through 2030 and covers systems and parts.

The initial issue to the School of Infantry provides the Marine Corps with a means to introduce the new controls, aiming functions and night-vision performance to personnel before wider Fleet Marine Force employment.

Specifications (Squad Aiming Laser)

General characteristics

• Type: Weapon-mounted multi-function laser aiming and illumination system
• Mounting: Weapon rail
• Controls: All-digital interface
• Relative weight: Approximately 3 oz lighter than the PEQ-16
• Relative length: Nearly 0.5 in shorter than the PEQ-16

Optical functions

• Visible aiming: Visible laser aiming pointer
• Near-infrared aiming: NIR laser aiming pointer
• Illumination: Near-infrared illumination for use with compatible night vision equipment
• Laser technology: Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL)

Related equipment

The PEQ-16 is the legacy Marine Corps system replaced by the Squad Aiming Laser. Both systems can be mounted on a weapon rail and provide visible and near-infrared laser functions, but the SAL introduces a smaller and lighter package, digital controls and VCSEL-based beam technology.

The Marine Corps SAL is distinct from the Squad Aiming Laser-Ultra High Power (SAL-UHP) procured separately by U.S. Special Operations Command. B.E. Meyers & Company received a five-year, $49.9 million maximum-ceiling contract for the SAL-UHP program in August 2024. The manufacturer identifies that system as a variant of its DAGIR family. USSOCOM later assigned the SAL-UHP the designation LA-30 and National Stock Number 5855-01-724-3043. A May 2025 report also documented the LA-30 designation. These records concern the separate USSOCOM SAL-UHP program rather than the Marine Corps Squad Aiming Laser supplied under the Envision Technology contract.